Wilson Combat 30th Anniversary 1911 review in our E-zine

[John]

Please use this thread to discuss the Wilson 30th Anniversary pistol we just reviewed in our E-zine

[garrettwc]

Great review! I reckon ole Bill still knows a thing or three about building a 1911. I like that even though it's "pretty", it works right out of the box.

Couple of questions.

You stated in the article that the magazines were #47D. But the tube and the base plate look like the new ETMs?

If you let Carole keep the Wilson do you think she'll give you your Springer back?

[Carole-K]

If you let Carole keep the Wilson do you think she'll give you your Springer back?

Absolutely not!

Seriously, the gun is a wonderful piece of craftsmanship and it is really a pleasure to shoot - except for that front strap checkering. It really hurt my hands. After just 3 or 4 magazines worth of ammo my fingers were actually reddened and sore from the checkering. To the point that it would deter me from purchasing the gun. Though, I admit that is a highly personal preference and not something that detracts from the quality of the gun in any way.

[hecate]

My new custom Wilson has a full-length guide rod and doesn't use the paper clip for disassembly. The documentation that came with it had field stripping instructions for all of their models, not just the one mine was loosely based on. It took me a while to figure out which directions I needed to follow.

[daveohno]

A well done review!

[Rio Vista Slim]

Tom,

My exposure to Wilson Combat pistols pre-dates my review of the Wilson Compact Sentinel in the M1911.ORG E-zine. While I was always impressed with the quality, reliability, and excellent appearance of the Wilson line of pistols, I had never talked to anyone associated with the Wilson brand, prior to testing the Sentinel.

My exposure to the fine people at Wilson left a lasting impression. Customer satisfaction is alive and well at Wilson Combat, and I'm proud to know those folks who assisted me with the review.

Yours is an excellent review, with fine photographs of an exceptional pistol.

Thank you!

[MoneyTree]

Outstanding review of an outstanding pistol . Wilson Combat is a name known to all , it's very hard to believe they've been customizing 1911's for a mere 30 years . Thanks again Tom .

[Tom]

Garret, yes, you are correct. The magazines shipped with the WCTA are the new ETMs. I just confirmed that with my contact at Wilson. So my first M1911.ORG eZine article has its first error. John, any way or amending the article?

And thank you all for your positive comments. As I just stated, this was my first review, and I will admit, I was very nervous about it. Okay, not as nervous as when I received the "bill" from Wilson! But fairly close.

And again, The WCTA was a nice gun to hold and shoot. Being a Springfield owner, I never had the chance to shot a high-end, custom pistol before. This was an awesome opportunity to do so, and thanks, John, for giving it to me.

[Wilburt]

not as nervous as when I received the "bill" from Wilson!

This is something i always wondered about people who write for magazines and such. How much do they charge so you can test it and do a write up. is it differant if your a well know mag like Combat Hanguns or a forum writer, etc.

[Rio Vista Slim]

This is something i always wondered about people who write for magazines and such. How much do they charge so you can test it and do a write up. is it differant if your a well know mag like Combat Hanguns or a forum writer, etc.

Wilburt,

Gun manufacturers do not charge either the M1911.ORG E-zine or the print publications (American Handgunner, Guns and Ammo, Shooting Times, etc.) for testing and evaluation of their pistols. However, in most cases there are expenses incurred by the gun writers.

First and foremost, all applicable federal, state, and local laws concerning guns are strictly adhered to. In my case, that means delivery of the firearm to the FFL dealer of my choice, and a transfer fee paid in order to take the pistol into my possession for the test.

The M1911.ORG E-zine occasionally receives donated ammunition from various companies, and when such ammo is used in a test, it is duly noted in the review. Should a variety of ammunition be required for a pistol test, the individual writer is responsible for those costs. This also holds true for the professional writers working for the print gun magazines, but any ammo purchased by the individual writer is accounted for in his expenses to the magazine.

After a gun test is published, I return the pistol to the manufacturer through my FFL. Normally I have to pay return shipping, but on rare occasions this expense is paid by the manufacturer.

Remember that practically every review done on a newly available pistol will be done in the M1911.ORG E-zine first, effectively "scooping" all the print publications. We don't have publishers to deal with, so our reviews appear months before most print reviews. While the gun writers for the Model 1911 Pistols Organization are not monetarily compensated for our work, we take great pride in being able to bring you timely, informative reviews of the latest pistols and products.